On Saturday afternoon there was to be a tug-of-war between the opposing teams of Fornoli and Chifenti. Fornoli is part of Bagni di Lucca and Chifenti belongs to Borgo a Mozzano. The towns sit on either side of the Ponte delle Catene…the chain bridge.

I arrived promptly at 4.00pm to find the rope positioned on the bridge.

There was a band.

There was a demonstration tug-of-war by a very good looking team.

It was good natured competition.

Did I mention that they were good looking? I found a special one for you.

The professionals tackled the locals.

The children tested their muscles.

The band marched across the bridge and back again.

There was one very interested spectator.

I would love to show you the actual competition, but I waited…and I waited. The event was supposed to begin at 4.00pm. I waited in the hot sun until 6.30pm and then I gave up and went home. I found out the next day that it went ahead at 7.30pm…late, even by Italian standards…what a pity.

Click here to see another fun event in Bagni di Lucca on the weekend…the crossbow competition in the grounds of Villa Ada.